The music mogul officially confirmed last week that he is returning to the UK version after three years away.

And he wants Cheryl, 30, by his side. He has offered her a bumper pay packet – rumoured to be £2million – and promised he will not try to “limit what she says” or “edit” her comments out of the show.

Simon, 54, wants the Girls Aloud singer back, but knows she is still angry over her axing as a US X Factor judge back in 2011.

So he has given her the green light to unleash her wrath on him during the ITV show and make as many cheeky digs as she wants.

“He has made it clear she can say what she wants to him, and get the fans booing and hissing him at any stage”

An X Factor insider

An X Factor insider said: “Simon is ready for the fury of Cheryl on screen.

“He has made it clear she can say what she wants to him, and get the fans booing and hissing him at any stage. Obviously fireworks on screen between the pair could make for astonishing viewing. Simon knows that.

“He is keen to prove that with his return The X Factor will trounce Strictly and land its rightful place as the No1 show in Britain.”

Cheeky Simon would love to see Cheryl on the panel with Nicole Scherzinger, 35, who famously took over her judging job on the US show after she was sacked.

He knows that they are likely to get on but it may provide some awkward footage when they first meet.

Announcing his return, Simon said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be returning to The X Factor UK.

“It’s been three years since I last judged the competition and I’m really excited to find a global superstar again.”